Member Spotlight: Julie Fisher
Julie joined Trail Roots in 2024 when she was looking for a new trail running group after Rogue Trail. She runs with the Tuesday and Thursday 5:30am crew as she maintains her running fitness, making friends along the way. As a lifelong Austinite, Julie’s career has spanned corporate social responsibility roles at Samsung and NI and she is now the CEO of The Trail Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for the benefit of all. This trail has been a Trail Roots running staple for years and we are proud that Julie is a part of our community–working towards making Austin a better place for all. We wanted to ask her a few questions about her journey with running, The Trail Conservancy, and Trail Roots. On Sunday, September 21st, we will be hosting a “Run with Julie” event alongside the Trail Conservancy to share more about their mission and welcome others to join.
What inspired you to start running?
I grew up playing sports—volleyball, basketball, softball and track—and turned to running during and after college. Although I missed the camaraderie from the team sports, I was excited to find a new athletic endeavor that I could do anywhere. After running informally for many years, I joined Rogue Trail to train for my first 30k in Big Bend for my 30th birthday and haven’t looked back since!
What do you love about running?
It’s a constant and you can do it anywhere. Whether it’s going out my front door, the trail, or traveling, I am always eager to explore. I appreciate the familiarity of going on home routes, but I love the opportunity to explore new places by foot.
What is your biggest running accomplishment to date?
In 2022, I completed Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim at the Grand Canyon. Prior to running 48 miles in the Canyon, the longest distance I ran was the Big Bend 30k so it felt daunting, but also an exciting challenge to work towards. I’ll never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt after we made it back out—gratitude, fulfilled and pure exhaustion. It made all of the long, hot summer runs so worth it.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
After taking a break from organized groups, I was seeking another trail running group. I was excited to join several other friends in Trail Roots after hearing so much high praise over the years!
Has your training changed since joining a group?
Yes! I love having accountability and that I don’t have to think about planning a route or workout. I appreciate the variability in hills and speed work. It keeps me on my toes! It was a super bonus when I saw that the Tuesday workout started across the street from Doss, where I went to elementary school. I’ve loved returning back to where I grew up and running the streets in Northwest Hills.
“I have been so impressed by the [Trail Roots] community of people and organization of all of the runs and events. It’s super inclusive for everyone and welcome to all paces.”
What do you think is special about Trail Roots?
I have been so impressed by the community of people and organization of all of the runs and events. It’s super inclusive for everyone and welcome to all paces. I’ve loved meeting so many people who inspire me with their stories and exciting races to come!
What are other passions of yours outside of running?
I love anything outdoors, adventure and FUN. I am super passionate about incorporating play into my life. Whether it’s going off the diving board one million times at Barton Springs, rollerskating, or most recently a Backstreet Boys concert—doing fun activities with friends is my favorite. I’m also a word game nerd. I have tried out for Wheel of Fortune and unfortunately didn’t make it on the show, but one day!
As the CEO of The Trail Conservancy, what was the roadmap that got you to this prestigious position?
Within two months at the end of 2023, I lost my Dad and then my job, due to an acquisition. It was a whirlwind of change, and while it was incredibly difficult, I was grateful for the chance to pause and reset. I took a year off from work and filled it with travel, time with friends and family, and service on nonprofit boards. That year was a gift—one that allowed me to be present, intentional, and thoughtful about what I wanted next. Before that break, I felt incredibly fortunate to have a career in corporate social responsibility, which allowed me to align my personal values with my professional path, and give back to the communities I care about. When the opportunity with The Trail Conservancy came along, it felt like the perfect next chapter—and truly a dream role. To lead an organization I deeply believe in and benefit from, that serves millions of people, and to work alongside an amazing team? PINCH ME!
“Join the group, put one foot in front of the other, and there will be many people cheering you along the way.”
What work and goals does The Trail Conservancy hope to accomplish and how can people get involved?
At its core, The Trail Conservancy strives to create an open and welcoming experience for all. The Trail gets over five million visits a year and we strive to create a space that is inclusive for runners, walkers, bikers, and the broader community. We have a variety of programs where individuals can engage and support such as plant work days, trash cleanups, a music series, a 5k and many more. We also have ways for people to invest through an ongoing membership program or opportunities to adopt bricks, benches or goats! I highly recommend signing up for our newsletter and following us on socials (@thetrailconservancy). We’re always posting about ways to get involved.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group or just get out on the trail to run their first mile?
Just start. I think Brene Brown says it best with FFT’s (F’n First Times).
“What [we] don’t love is being new at things. I think for all of us, being new at something is incredibly vulnerable. Even when we’re excited and committed and we’re like, ‘I’m going to do this. I’m going to try this new thing,’ the awkward, uncomfortable time comes right after the excitement and it feels awful. And I can tell you if the definition of vulnerability is uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure, then being new at something is the epitome of vulnerability.”
Join the group, put one foot in front of the other, and there will be many people cheering you along the way.
To learn more about The Trail Conservancy and their upcoming events, see thetrailconservancy.org and join us for a “Run with Julie” on September 21st at 7am starting from The Rock. Click for details.